Base bag



NOV. 5, 1940. w. BRQXTON 2,220,142

BASE BAG Filed Jan. 27, 1939 JMMW A TJ'ORNEY Patented Nov. 5, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BASE BAG William M. Broxton, Chattanooga, Tenn. Application January 27, 1939, Serial No. 253,147

2 Claims.

My invention relates to baseball bags and more particularly to a base bag having a convex top with concealed straps.

In the prior art, it has been the practice to make base ball bags of square or rectangular configuration having straight walls and to employ straps passing over the top of the bag and extending around and beneath it where they are joined to appropriate anchoring spikes.

These base bags have a number of important disadvantages as their rectangular shape and straight side walls develop sharp abrupt edges injuring the runner who slides into them and often the base man who stumbles over them. Also the rectangular straight walled shape presents a considerable departure in contour of the terrain over which the runner or baseman is moving and either causes him to break his speed in approaching the bag or to stumble in his effort to tag and pass the bag. The use of straps over the top of the bags serve to trip the runner or baseman who often get their feet tangled in them.

Applicant with a knowledge of all these defects in and objections to the prior art has for an object of his invention the provision of a base bag having a curved top of gradual convexity eliminating sharp edges and straight walls and presenting a smooth banked surface upon which the baseman or runner cannot stumble and will not have to break his speed for fear of becoming injured.

Applicant has as another object of his invention the provision of a base bag having straps passing therethrough and projecting from the lower edges of the sides and passing under the bag and anchored to spikes holding the edges firmly against the dirt preventing it from creeping under same, and eliminating the tripping effect of straps passing over the top and securely .preventing its displacement.

Applicant has as another object of his invention the provision of a base bag having means disposed therein for preserving its shape without affecting its yieldability or softness.

Applicant has as another object of his invention the provision of a base bag having means for protecting it against the action .of anchoring spikes.

Applicant has as a still further object of his invention the provision of a base bag having an upper stitched surface for reinforcing it against the action of shoe spikes and for adding a slight stiffness thereto in order to preserve the shape of the top in spite of irregularities in the packmg.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will appear in the following specification and the novel features thereof will be particularly pointed out in the annexed claims.

Figure 1 is a planed view of my improved base bag, looking down on the top thereof.

Figure 2 is a planed view of the same bag from the bottom.

Figure 3 is the same bag shown particularly in section as it is anchored in position.

Referring to the drawing in detail, I designates generally a base bag which is preferably of canvas material and which is stuffed with excelsior, sawdust or other appropriate material I 4. This bag is preferably made of two parts, one an upper part including the sides and top 20, and the other a lower part 2| joined together at their outer edge with turned-in portions I5.

Disposed within the bag is a fiber or other form of block l6 positioned beneath the packing I4 for preserving the shape of the bottom of the bag, which is of substantially rectangular shape with curved corners as will be seen from Figure 2. The walls extend upwardly and are joined to a convex top of gradually changing configuration presenting a smooth surface for contact with the foot of the baseman or runner, banking him sufficiently to prevent stumbling or being upset during the fielding or running operations.

The top is lined with stitches l1 in criss-cross formation to add stiffness and to preserve the contour of such top in spite of irregularities in the packing and to prevent ripping of the fabric by baseball shoes. Passing through the body of the bag at right angles to each other are a pair of straps 4, 5 having buckles 6, l at one end and tips l8, l9 at the other end. Mounted on the bottom of the bag and secured thereto by rivets or other appropriate securing means I3 is a fiber protecting plate l2.

The straps, 4, 5, are adapted to pass through appropriate links in anchoring spikes and draw the bottom of the bag with its protector l 2 down upon such spikes.

In mounting or setting up the bag, the spikes 8, 9 are appropriately positioned after which straps 4, 5 are passed through the eyes H], II and through the buckles 6, l, where they are drawn very tightly bringing the edges of the bag down flush against the top of the ground where the bag is held very securely. The reinforcing element I6, being positioned below the packing does not affect the softness of the top of the bag or its deformability since the foot of the runner or baseman engages the top 20 and does not come in contact with the reinforcing element. While only two spikes are shown for the purpose of anchoring the bag, it is contemplated that four or more may be used for this purpose. The tops of the eyes I0, I I, engage the protecting plate 12 and prevent them from wearing the canvas of the bag.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A base bag of the character described com prising a body including sides and a bottom, a

top of convex configuration, stufiing for said 7 body, a plate disposed within said body for main-,

taining its shape, a protector secured to said bottom, and straps for engagement with spikes to bring them into contact with said protector.

2. A base bag of the character described comprising a body including sides and a bottom, a top of convex configuration, lines of stitches formed in said top for reinforcing it, and for maintaining its contour, stuffing for said body, a plate disposed within. said body for maintaining its shape, a protector secured to said bottom, straps passing through said body, out the sides and under the bottom for engagement with spikes to position it.

WILLIAM M. BROXTON. 

